What we did last school holidays (December 2013)

December school holidays are most awaited time for Ikin and Lais. They just couldn't wait for this holidays for they get lots of time to spend with us.
We even had the time to visit my newly found Facebook friend, Lin at her parents' house in Keratong during her sister's wedding.  

Lin, Ikin and Yours Truly

Upon coming back from Keratong, we visited my sister and her family at Buluh Kasap, Segamat and even had durians by the road side!

Ikin and Lais sleeping on each other's lap!

Daddy, Ikin and Lais - waiting for their food

As the school holidays was approaching its end, we thought it would be great to get the children a pair or two of their new school uniforms and shoes. Lais will be going to Primary 1 this year and we hope by doing this it will spur his spirits and enthusiasm about going to school. Soon he will find out how much fun school can offer!

Trying out their new school uniforms

 While I was doing some work at the Pontian Land Office, the children got to enjoy the cool sea breeze with Daddy! And enjoying cooling cendol prior to that!

Having a lighter moment with Daddy by the seaside

Enjoying cendol with Daddy

 And when his feet get too tired, he became heavy. But he ain't heavy for loving Daddy!

Oh Daddy, I am too tired to walk!

The holiday isn't complete without Ikin trying out her hands at baking. This time she tried making cupcakes and cookies. I specifically loved the marbled cookies which was actually the combination of left over yellow and chocolate dough. That was very clever of Ikin making use of the left over dough!  

Ikin trying her hands at cookie making

 And the cupcakes turned out well. Congratulations Ikin!

Cupcakes baked by Ikin

 It was so much fun for Ikin to be able to take charge of the cookies from start to finish. And for a little girl to have that long attention span was wonderful!

Ikin busy making cookies

 And the cookies are done. Ready to be decorated with royal icing.

Love that marbled cookies!

 And we were glad to have been able to spend the school holidays in a productive way! And she is already talking about her next short school holidays in March, 2014!

Short spin in Penang 6th-10th January, 2014 - Day 5

Naj appreciating history!

On our last day in Penang, apart from doing last minute shopping for some souvenirs and pickles (of course!) we had some time before we meet up with my cousin Azam and her family.
We tried to return to Fort Cornwallis for its nice Penang laksa only to find out that the eatery was closed!  

Mother, patiently waited for her laksa

We wish that this short spin would have been longer. Or maybe the next time if we ever decided to visit Penang again, more days should be spent on the beach area of the island rather than Butterworth. But nevertheless this short holiday had been a great time of family, fun and food with the children and Mother!  

We'll see you again, Penang!

Short spin that etched long term sweet memories and fostered closer family ties!

Short spin in Penang 6th-10th January, 2014 - Day 4

Spice Garden

 After a hefty breakfast, we continued our tour to visit the Spice Garden. The lady at the reception was cheerfully welcoming us in her extra friendly welcoming greetings! And the ointment the Garden management offered was smelling very minty and light that Mother even asked Yours Truly to rub it on both her legs and calves!

Mother, resting on a giant swing

 Mother indicated that she would rather stay on this giant swing whilst Naj, Ashraf and Sya went round the Garden. Yours Truly kept her company.

Tree of Life!

Taking a breather, together

 Mother was contented to be here in this cooling Garden of Spice. Resting on this cool stone slab garden stool, before we proceeded to lunch.

 

 

Interesting art on a wall

Mother and Ashraf

 Mother and Ashraf seemed to be enjoying each other's company. Very kind of Ashraf to always take the effort to make Mother smiled!

Mother enjoying her tea in bed!

Glad we could take some time off to be with Mother. Thank you so much Mom!

Short spin in Penang 6th-10th January, 2014 - Day 3

The weather was extremely hot on the third day. We decided to just roam around town and we ended up at Fort Cornwallis. The historic fort was such a vast area with remnants of those year way back in 1786!

The plaque speaks for itself
P.s.: I saw you!

Enjoying that little patch of shade: Ashraf, Naj, Mother and Sya

We had that ever famous Penang Laksa for lunch prior to moving towards the main land via ferry.

Mother and Ashraf enjoying the ferry ride

Hellooo...do I see you waving at me?!

As usual Naj would be monkeying about on the ferry!

I'll be there before you knew it!

Ashraf and Naj with their respective "ubat ganteng"!

Ashraf requested to visit his girl friend in here

Sunset on the paddy field!

Glad to have made the time to see his heart throb!

Yours Truly

Now I sure appreciate rice more!

The ever smiling Mother
Thumbs up for the farmer!

The majestic Penang Bridge

We headed back to the Island just before the sunset and was able to capture this view in time. And the short time spent at the mainland was hopefully meaningful for Ashraf. Ha ha

Checking in at another hotel for the next two nights

Though a bit run down but the room is spacious!

And the fun continued with our night outing after this. Mother chose to have her dinner in the room instead. 

Short spin in Penang 6th - 10th January, 2014 - Day 2

The weather was perfect to roam Georgetown! In fact it was a bit too hot for us ladies but that didn't deter us from enjoying this beautifully etched wall with what we believe a tale of history on how did the Chinese came to Penang. 

Naj, Sya and Ashraf

Naj, giving a hand!

Kek Lok Si temple

We took time to visit the Kek Lok Si temple which is also known as  "Temple of Supreme Bliss" or "Temple of Sukhavati". It is a Buddhist temple situated in Air Itam in Penang and is one of the best known temples on the island. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia. The temple is heavily commercialized with shops at every level and inside the main temple complexes.

Naj even bought some "ancient Chinese coins for rememberance!

Masjid Kapitan Keling

Masjid Kapitan Keling

This is the Kapitan Keling Mosque which was built in the 19th century by Indian Muslim traders in George Town, Penang, Malaysia. It is situated on the corner of Lebuh Buckingham (Buckingham Street) and Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling (Pitt Street).

"Keling" is a Malay term for people of Indian origin, nowadays considered offensive but not so considered at the time when the mosque was built. The "Kapitan " was a representative of the Indian community, like the "Kapitan Cina" for the Chinese community.

Buckingham Street

 For once it didn't feel like we were in Penang. Now that we knew we have our very own Buckingham Street!

The ever so famous food stall!

Impressive!

And it was some kind of good feeling to be able to enjoy the authentic Penang pride, the Nasi Kandar original recipe since 1943! Mom was equally impressed with the food!

Short spin in Penang 6th-10th January, 2014 - Day 1

It was so refreshing to be greeted by such friendly hotel staff upon arrival. Mom was looking a bit tired but nevertheless glad to have reached here.

Mother

We found that our room was spacious and the facilities are great.

This hotel is located right at the centre of town and we presumed it was new, hence the new look and fresh smelling bedsheets!

After lunch we started to roam Georgetown only to find out that the famous Bukit Bendera is closed for maintenance!

Penang Botanical Garden

 Instead of finding our way to the Bukit Bendera, Waze took us here! And everyone was pleasantly surprised to have ended here. 

Ashraf - enjoying the tram ride around the Garden

Mother - enjoying the view

 For as low as RM2 for each person we took the opportunity to take the tram ride to go round the Botanical Garden. I was happy to see mother smiling.

Bukit Bendera

They insisted that we should have known!

 The security guard insisted that we should have known about the closure of the Bukit Bendera through Chinese newspaper! ha ha.. Perhaps next time we should be able to take the uphill train ride!

Strange looking tree!

Cannon Ball Tree!

 And to negate the frustration of not being able to visit the Bukit Bendera, we were glad that we learnt something new today that there is such a tree!